Woodman's of Essex

Stopped by Woodman's of Essex for lunch after strawberry picking at Russell Orchards because it was nearby (less than 10 minutes, so this could be a fun summer itinerary for you, too!). It was quite crowded, but there is seating inside and outside. After you place your order, there is a side window to pick up your food once they call your number. We decided to sit on the benches outside, which was chilly even in the summer because it was by the water.

The lobster roll wasn't the best that I've ever had. There wasn't a lot of sauce, and it was small for the price. We also got fries, fried clam strips, fried scallops, and fried calamari. I liked the fried clam strips and scallops the most. The rest was average.

This is one of the better "clam shacks" in Massachusetts and in all likelihood the most well-known at least here on the coast. This place is somewhat of a legend which translates to "very popular". In the summer, good luck getting in without waiting quite a long time in line...which I no longer am willing to do.

The beauty of coming here "off season" and on a Sunday when the clocks were just turned back the night before is that you are hungry for lunch "earlier", and there are no crowds to speak of.
So last Sunday when the clocks said it was 11:30am, it was in reality still 12:30pm in our minds (lunchtime!) as we had not yet had time to adjust to the time change.

We've been here many times over the years but not in a very long time so it was nice to be back. Everything looked the same as it always has.
We were soon to discover that the overall quality of the food is still quite good. Seafood is pricey these days, so clam shack or not, you're going to have to face the sticker shock. However, Woodman's is not nearly as expensive as another clam-shack/restaurant closer to home and the quality is better. It might be that the sheer volume of business that they do here may keep the prices ever so slightly better than some other places.

My favorite thing to order (and what they are known for in particular) are the fried clam bellies. They also sell fried clam strip platters but for me, it is the clam bellies for sure. The bellies are meatier and really have the flavor of the ocean noticeable in each bite.

The place is very large with lots of seating both indoors and out. You order at a counter and wait at your table for your number to be called. There is another counter where you can order beer and wine which is served to you right away and you bring to your table.

Tom and I both got the clam belly platters, his with onion rings, mine with fries. The portion size was perfect for me but smaller than I remember....but trust me, it is still plenty of food.
This is a no frills place that visually kind of reminds me of a camp dining hall.

Other menu items include lobsters, lobster rolls, fish sandwiches, crab rolls, steamed clams with drawn butter (another fave of mine), etc. There are a few non-seafood items on the menu as well but that isn't what I'd come here for.
There is ample free parking and everything is on one level and easily navigable. There are a few tables that are inexplicably very tight fits but just across the room are larger tables that are easier to maneuver in and out of.

This is delicious New England seafood in an unpretentious, unfussy, relaxed setting.
One of the reasons I love living in New England is classic seafood in a place just like this.

Visited the restaurant in 2012 and had to come back again. We had the fried clams with the belies, warm Lobster rolls with butter, clam chowder, and fries.
The lobster rolls had plenty of tender fresh sweet lobster. Large clams that melted in your mouth.

Again we had a wonderful time and will continue to come back in the future.

Came here on a Saturday for a later lunch and the place was a bit busy, but they had so many seats that the amount of people didn't as much. They had a ton of folks working the kitchen so waiting for food wasn't too long.

They have a decently sized menu with honestly prices that were a little overly expensive, however the portion sizes were more on the fair side so if you're really craving fried seafood and other food similar to that, this was a good spot for that.

We got our food rather quickly and headed outside where they had a tent set up to eat. In the shade with a bit of wind, it was very pleasant to be outside and eat. The fried clams were pretty delicious - those and the fries were solid. The onion rings were a bit disappointing as it just seemed mostly to be fried pieces of flour and not much onion, unfortunately. The chowder was decent in addition to the platter - definitely left stuffed!

Overall, I would probably come back again if ever in the future, however I wouldn't expect it to be a perfect experience. I'll probably skip the onion rings next time, but would be down to get another platter!

Went on the recommendation of a friend about 10 minutes ago and i counted 7 employees standing in the front behind the counter talking amongst themselves. 3 of them took turns looking at me as if I was interrupting then a lady who turns out to be the "manager" says "we will be right with you" in a snarky tone and turns and walked away...the employees were not busy helping guests just obviously their conversation is more important than my business so we left

Woodman's of Essex delivers the quintessential New England seafood experience! Indulge in the freshest lobsters, steamers, and golden fried clams. Situated on the edge of the Essex River, the ambiance provides the full saltwater experience. A summer night's dinner at Woodman's is truly unparalleled - a must-try for seafood enthusiasts!

I had a late lunch at this iconic restaurant. Having just been to another fried clam place in Kittery, my expectations were high. And yes, Woodman's is very, very good. The clams are big pieces, they're tasty and they are not chewy at all. Good clam flavor and with the onion rings and fries, a cholesterol bonanza.

Definitely worth the trip and I'm glad I had the opportunity to try this experience! And my cardiologist thanks you as well!

[Review 18593 overall - 1175 in Massachusetts - 2115 of 2022.]

Been going for decades. Love this place. Better than Legal Seafood in our opinion. Inside. Outside. Rooftop. Clams. Scallops. Soda. Beer.

Don't let the longggg line put you off. It moves fast. And is always worth it.

Highly recommended !!!

I am gluten-free and Woodman's of Essex is everything.

Fried clams and lobstah rolls are essential to feeding my New England soul, and most places don't offer crispy and delicious batter for gluten-free people. Woodman's mastered the art of perfecting fried seafood for us! Even the clam chowdah is free of wheat flour, and it tastes like heaven.

I always order gf fried clams with onion rings, cup of chowder, and gf lobster roll with fries. Massive portions that I kindly share with my group and bring home. I can't rave enough about how fresh and flavorful it all is.

The beer/cider selection includes local seasonal brews, like Carlson Orchards. Harvard Harvest really hit the spot in October.

Service is always impeccable and helpful to those with allergies and odd preferences (like those who don't eat seafood). They have deliciously fried chicken fingers (for those people).

Plenty of parking spaces, indoor and outdoor seating accommodating to large groups. Ordering is up front where you pay then they call your number.

During the summer there's an ice cream stand out back with a cute souvenir shop attached.

Essex is kind of a hike but Woodman's is a dish worth driving to!

visiting family in Boston who are lobster fanatics and this place hit the spot. menus are amazingly delicious, esp coming from a So/Cal tourist where lobster this yummy (or in general) will cost us an arm and a leg. service is fast and very spacious dining. tables reminds me of elementary setting which is awesome. for sure will come back here again when in Boston, happy customer from So/Cal here